Nigerian Starboy: Monaco hail 18-year-old next Victor Osimhen after two-goal heroics

Nigerian youngster George Ilenikhena is earning rave reviews from AS Monaco after a sensational super-sub performance that saw him score a brace in the club's 7-1 thrashing of Nantes.

The Nigeria-eligible striker marked his return from injury with a bang, netting the sixth and seventh goals of the match on Saturday.

PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Soccer News in Nigeria from Pulse Sports

While Mika Biereth grabbed headlines with a hat-trick, it was Ilenikhena who stole the spotlight with his two late goals.

He is now the first Monaco player to score a brace off the bench in Ligue 1 this season, making him the fourth in the last three seasons, following Folarin Balogun in March 2024, Breel Embolo in January 2023, and Eliesse Ben Seghir in December 2022.

Former Ligue 1 champions Monaco celebrated their Nigerian star on social media, stating, "George Ilenikhena scored two goals in his first Ligue 1 match in 2025. Not the worst way to come back after an injury.”

Ilenikhena's goals came as Monaco ran rampant against a hapless Nantes side, complete with fellow Nigerian forward Moses Simon, who assisted the visitors’ consolation goal.

In fact, Nantes conceded 7 goals in a single Ligue 1 match for the first time in its history in the top flight while Monaco last scored so many in the league on January 15, 2023 (7-1 against Ajaccio). Ilenikhena's performance is a positive sign for Monaco as they aim to secure a Champions League spot this season.

With the young striker still eligible for Nigeria, it will be interesting to see if new Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle will consider him good enough for a place in his new-look team.